His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the meaning of “the third-day prayer” and corrects the common misconception that it is a “prayer for sending away the spirit.” He emphasizes that this expression is theologically and biblically incorrect, and that it should always be called simply “the third-day prayer.”

Clarifying the Misconception of “Sending Away the Spirit”

The Pope criticizes the popular belief that the soul remains near the body or the house for three days and that the priest comes to drive it away, affirming that this has no biblical or ecclesiastical foundation. The soul does not wander or resist leaving but goes immediately to the place appointed by God.

The Destiny of Souls After Death

He explains that righteous souls go immediately to Paradise, as with the repentant thief, while the souls of the wicked go to Hades or hell, citing the story of Lazarus and the rich man. There is no “forty-day journey” or period of wandering, for Christ clearly said, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Meaning of the Third- and Fortieth-Day Prayers

The prayer on the third day commemorates Christ’s resurrection, and the one on the fortieth day commemorates His ascension. The church prays to comfort the bereaved and remind them of the resurrection, not to cast away a spirit. The visit of the priest is a gesture of love and encouragement, assuring that death is only temporary separation.

Refutation of Reincarnation and Spirit Transfer

The Pope refutes the notion that human souls can enter other bodies or animals, stating that this idea is non-biblical and rooted in pagan beliefs. The human soul differs from demonic spirits, which may possess bodies; human souls after death are in God’s hands and do not act independently.

Church’s Stand on Superstitions

He condemns superstitions such as lighting candles to drive away spirits or believing in ghosts. The “ghost” mentions in Scripture were mistaken ideas of the disciples before receiving the Holy Spirit, not doctrinal teachings. The soul does not appear as a phantom or roam freely.

Angels, Demons, and the Human Soul

Angels are pure beings who no longer sin, while demons are fallen angels still active until their final judgment. Humans have a limited time of trial on earth that ends at death; afterward, their souls are in God’s care. There is no repentance after death and no return to earthly life.

Purpose of Church Prayers

The Church prays for the departed because Judgment Day has not yet come, and it seeks mercy for them during the time of waiting. The third-day prayer expresses hope in resurrection and eternal life, not the expulsion of spirits. Rituals like sprinkling water are cultural practices, not theological doctrines.

Conclusion

The third- and fortieth-day prayers are acts of faith in Christ’s resurrection and ascension, not ceremonies for “sending spirits away.” Righteous souls go directly to Paradise; spirits are not free to wander. Christ Himself sets the rules, and the Church bases its teaching solely on the Holy Scripture, not on popular myths or traditions.